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Los Altos commission reviews Greenfields proposal to replace Hilton Park fitness equipment
Summary
The Parks, Arts & Recreation Commission reviewed a staff-backed plan to replace aged outdoor fitness equipment at Hilton Park with a proposal from Greenfields, discussed surfacing and ADA access, and took public input emphasizing simplicity and natural surfacing; exact project cost was not specified.
The Los Altos Parks, Arts & Recreation Commission reviewed a staff-recommended plan to replace the aging outdoor fitness equipment at Hilton Park and offered input to staff before the city finalizes a contract with the selected vendor.
Staff liaison Maggie Hernandez told commissioners the city issued an RFP and "we selected Greenfields," a nationwide outdoor-fitness vendor the city council already approved; staff asked the commission for design feedback before contract details are finalized. Hernandez said many current components date from the 1990s and the upgrade aims to add modern, ADA-accessible pieces while preserving elements that attract current users.
The presentation laid out two surfacing options: decomposed-granite (a compacted natural surface) and poured-in-place rubber. Staff said it is "leaning toward a rubber surfacing" because it offers more resilience and fall protection, but multiple public commenters urged alternatives. One resident who said she has walked the site daily for 25 years cautioned that the equipment's simplicity currently attracts users and warned against "too many moving parts," urging retention of the long log border that many people use for balance. Another frequent user supported modest additions (rings and a push-up bar) and preferred a more natural surface, citing health concerns about synthetic materials.
Commissioners asked about maintenance, warranty and cost. Staff said warranty repairs would address mechanical failures and that routine cleaning would remain a city responsibility; the project is "within the approved capital improvement budget," though the staff report did not specify a dollar amount. Staff also said the selected vendor supplies a booklet of optional components and that staff plans to meet with regular users for final input on layout and accessibility concerns.
The commission did not take a formal vote on the design at the meeting. Staff said it will continue negotiations with Greenfields, solicit informal user feedback on component placement and return to the commission with a refined proposal and budget details.
The commission moved on to subsequent agenda items with staff directing members how to submit additional input and indicating public outreach would continue.
